say

I am looking forward to going to the theatre this weekend. To sit and watch an entire movie is not easy for me. First, there is the issue of sitting still for 2 hours. Second, there is the issue of staying awake. My body is used to being in constant motion and when it finally stops, I usually crash. So, when I have a choice of going to the theatre or hanging out with my husband or friends, I chose the latter. I would much rather engage in conversation than sit and fall asleep. BUT, this weekend I am foregoing all of my preconceived biases regarding the theatre and have a date with my husband to see the movie The Bucket List. It is about making a list of all of the things you want to do before you kick the bucket.

I was intrigued about it after I saw the music video "Say" by John Mayer http://thebucketlist.warnerbros.com/ . It is the theme song for the movie. The lyrics move me:

Take all your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all your so called problems
Better put 'em in quotations

Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead
If you could only.....

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You'd better know that in the end
It's better to say too much
Then never say what you need to say again.

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even is the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

Say what you need to say

When Wes and I were dating, he took me on this amazing trip to Aspen, Colorado. I remember the spectacular views from the condo where we stayed, the romantic walks through the city, but my most vivid memories were the conversations by the fire. I asked him a lot of questions trying to get to know him. One question was "What was the best gift you ever received?". He answered that is was a book Brocus Brain by Carl Sagan. His Aunt gave it to him when he was young. He said it changed his life and spurred him onto his career as a scientist. Wes never told her this so I suggested that he write her a letter and share how wildly important her gift was to him.

Say what you need to say.

I know several people who are in broken marriages. Marriages where trust has been questioned and love has been tested. Sometimes saying what you really need to say to your partner is incredibly difficult. Difficult because you are afraid. Difficult because it leaves you vulnerable. Difficult because of the potential consequence. It seems easier just to sweep it under the rug than to expose yourself and your partner to the rawness of reality. I can tell you from experience that the struggle NOT to say what you need to say is far more difficult than actually getting it out there in the open.

Say what you need to say.

I have been abundantly blessed to have met many amazing people who have influenced my own life: teachers, friends, acquaintances, even strangers. Have I told each of them how they have impacted my life? Not yet. But I AM trying. I remember being at a retreat many years ago when I worked for the YMCA. We were asked to write a letter to someone who has made a difference in our life. I did it. I wrote a letter to a friend of mine. I wrote about how she gave me direction and encouragement during a tumultuous time in my life. Did I send it? No. I was too embarrassed. Do I regret not sending it? Yes. (but I did tell her how I felt).

Say what you need to say.

Saying how you feel is not always easy. Doing what you need to do is not always easy.
I try to live my life with no regrets. I try to be the best mother/wife/friend/daughter/personal trainer I possibly can. Have I done everything I want to do? Hell no! Have I said everything I need to say? Hell no! If I kick the bucket tomorrow would I have any true regrets??? Hell NO! Sure there is the laundry list of bad choices and should have, could have, would have's, but I have to admit there isn't anything I truly regret. I believe that even if my path was a little bumpy, the road got me where I needed to be; where I am supposed to be.

I challenge you to take inventory of your own life. Make your own bucket list. Say. Do. Be. Live your life fully. Just like the lyrics in Leeann Womack's song Dance........

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking

Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter

When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance(Time is a wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance(Tell me who)
I hope you dance(Wants to look back on their years and wonder)(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance

I hope YOU dance! Life is way too short.